NSW Fisheries Wages War Against Aquatic Weed, Caulerpa, In St Georges Basin

NSW Fisheries is taking steps to control a new infestation of the aquatic weed Caulerpa taxifolia in St Georges Basin, south of Jervis Bay.

NSW Fisheries Principal Manager Threatened Species, Bill Talbot, said the new outbreak was found while NSW Fisheries researchers were conducting seagrass surveys as part of a statewide assessment of marine vegetation in coastal areas of NSW.

"NSW Fisheries has contacted Shoalhaven City Council to formulate a joint plan of attack," said Mr Talbot.

"As part of NSW Fisheries' ongoing Caulerpa control program, new infestations in previously unaffected estuaries, such as this one in St Georges Basin, receive the highest priority for treatment.

"NSW Fisheries, in conjunction with Shoalhaven City Council, are now mapping the infestation, putting up a silt curtain fence to contain the weed, and will treat the area with salt - a method that has proved one of our most effective weapons in controlling the spread of the weed.

"In the meantime, we are asking the public to avoid the infested areas marked with yellow buoys bearing the sign "No Anchoring". The buoys will be in place by Wednesday 28 April."

"Caulerpa taxifolia, a seaweed native to Queensland, already occurs in eight other coastal NSW waterways: Burrill Lake; Narrawallee Inlet; Lake Conjola; Port Hacking; Botany Bay; Sydney Harbour; Pittwater and Lake Macquarie.

"Caulerpa taxifolia is a weed that can potentially smother seagrass beds ? important nursery areas for fish. It easily regenerates from pieces that break off existing plants, and is difficult to eradicate.

"The weed can easily be introduced to new areas when fragments become entwined in anchors, ropes, fishing gear and diving equipment."

New sightings of Caulerpa can be reported to the 24-hour recorded pest species hotline on 4916 3877 or by sending an email to pests@fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

Media inquiries: Kristina Resanceff on 8437 4915 or Eric Aubert on 0419 185 375